Window regulator



Feb. 21, 1956 H. E. LANGE 2,735,676

WINDOW REGULATOR Filed Sept. 22, 1954 I N VE N TOR {Yon 42a E [elvesATTORNEYS United States Patent WINDOW REGULATOR Howard E. Lange, NorthMiami, Fla. Application September 22, 1954, Serial No. 457,662 1 Claim.(Cl. 268-104) The present invention relates to window regulators andmore particularly to an improved device whereby a semiautomatic controlof window movement is enabled.

In the modern casement, awning-type or jalousie window there isconventionally employed a manually operated crank and gear mechanismthrough which the glazed panels of the window are opened and closed.Although the actual regulating operation is not difiicult a reasonableamount of energy is required to drive the gear mechanism and toaccomplish the desired efiect in regulating the position of the windowpanels. Frequently, it becomes necessary or desirable to change theposition of the window panels rapidly, a result unobtainable in presentdevices.

A principal object of the present invention i the provision of a windowregulator wherein manual operation in positioning the window panelsenergizes an integral spring mechanism sufficiently to insure upon itsrelease, return of the window panels to their original position.

A second object of my invention is to provide a semiautomatic windowregulator of such construction that it may readily be adapted to avarity of window types without excessive modification.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a semi-automaticwindow regulator which is entirely independent of the windowinstallation per se.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be readily apparentfrom the following detailed description of a preferred embodimentthereof when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawingwherein:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the window regulator contemplatedby my invention in a typical installation;

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the window regulator with part brokenaway; and

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line3-3 of Fig. 2.

Briefly stated, my inventive concept entails the provision in a windowregulator of a spring mechanism which serves to drive the regulatorthrough a course opposed to that accomplished manually, the manualmanipulation automatically energizing the spring mechanism for repeatedactuation thereof.

In the drawings in which like numerals indicate like parts throughoutthe several views, a window regulator 1 comprises an inner casing 2 ofcircular configuration provided with an inwardly projecting peripheralflange 3 and an outwardly projecting boss 4 of suitable shape to permitits attachment as for example by a screw 5 or other suitable means to ahousing 6 enclosing the operating means which is to be controlled of awindow unit (not shown). The casing 2 is so positioned with relation tothe window unit that it encircles the window operating shaft 8, asuitable opening 9 being provided in the casing 2 for its reception.

A cylindrical sleeve 11 frictionally engages the extended portion of theshaft 8 and is secured thereto against ICC rotation by any suitablemeans as for example a locking pin 12. An outer cover or cap 15 providedwith a projecting peripheral flange 16 of a size and configuration toencompass the inner casing 2 is also secured to the operating shaft 8,as for example by means of a bolt 17 and provides a convenient knobwhereby rotation of the shaft 8 is enabled.

In their assembled position the inner casing 2 and outer cover 15 definea centrally disposed chamber 29 in which is positioned a coil spring 21secured at one end to the flange 3 of the inner casing 2 by means of thebolt 22 and at the opposite end to the sleeve 11 by a bolt or screw 23.To avoid possible lateral displacement of the spring 21, a restrainingshield 25 is secured within the chamber 20 in close proximity to oneside of the spring 21.

Also disposed within the chamber 20, inwardly of the spring 21 is adetent control therefor. A ratchet wheel 28 is secured to the sleeve 11adjacent the leading end thereof by any suitable means (not shown) forrotation therewith. A lever arm 29 pivotally secured to the inner casing2 through a pin 30 adjacent one end thereof is provided with a scar 31which engages the ratchet wheel 28 and so locks it and the shaft 8against counter rotation as the window regulator functions. A leafspring 34 secured at one end to the inner casing 2 by a stud 35 engagesa cam-like projection 36 at the end of the arm 29 beyond the pivot pointand maintains a constant force against said arm urging the sear 31against the ratchet wheel 28. The lever arm 29 terminates in an enlargedwing pad 38 projecting at right angles therefrom beyond the casing 2through a slot 39 therein to provide a means for moving the sear 31 outof engagement with the ratchet wheel 28 and to free the shaft 3 forcounterrotation. A bumper or stop 40 of rubber or similar resilientmaterial is secured to the inner casing 2 by any suitable means to limitinward movement of the lever arm 29 under influence of the spring 34.

When it is desired to regulate the position of the panels of a windowequipped with my regulator rotation of the outer casing 15, which is ofsufficient diameter that the necessary torque may be applied, causesrotation of the sleeve 11 and the operating shaft 3. Such rotation ofthe sleeve 11 occasions an increase in the amount of tension on the coilspring 21, an action which may be compared to the winding of a clockspring. The ratchet 28 and sear detent 31 prevent a reversed movement ofthe shaft 8 and lock the control mechanism at any desired point ofwindow panel opening. When it becomes necessary or desirable to closethe Window panels, lever 29 is moved, releasing the sear detent fromengagement with the ratchet 28, permitting the coiled spring 21 to drivethe shaft 8 in a reverse direction until the window panels are restoredto their original position.

Manifestly, the strength or capacity of the spring 2i must be varieddependent upon the size and/or weight of window panels to be manipulatedthereby. The spring 21 can also be adjusted so that opening of thewindow panels is opposed by a slight spring tension in order that a morerapid and complete closing of the window panels can be assured under thespring drive of the operating means.

The lever 29 which serves to lock the regulator in open position may beadapted for remote or automatic control by the addition thereto of asolenoid or an electromagnet which upon being energized will move thelever away from the ratchet wheel 28.

It will at once be obvious that various modifications in the describedform of my invention and alteration in the arrangement of the componentelements thereof are possible without departing from the spirit of theinvention as defined in the following claim.

What I claim is:

A semi-automatic window regulator for the glazed panels of a windowassembly inter-connected for simultaneous manipulation thereof through acrank'actuated operating means, which regulator comprises a fixed casingmember secured to said window assembly in a position over and around itsoperating means from which the crank has been removed, a rotatablecasing member encompassing said fixed member, and bearing thereon, inengagement with and driving the window operating means, a coiled springdisposed within and secured between said casing members, said springbeing energized by mox ement of the rotatable casing member as thewindow panels are opened whereby to exert a sufficient counter-rotativeeffect against said rotatable casing member to insure a spring-drivenclosing of the window panels, and a detent securing the outer rotatablecasing member and the window operating means against counter-rotationinduced by said energized spring, said detent being releasable to permitcounter-rotation of the outer rotatable casing member and the Windowoperating-means to close the window panels.

Refit-senses Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

